Today Ava Was On To Our Game

Sitting on my lap, you reached across the table to mom with a chopsticks wrapper in hand. Once mom reached for your offering, you yanked it back and laughed at her.

Lady rides with mom!

Surprised, we thought we were having a moment when you were learning to share, rather, it was a moment when you saw what mom was doing with you and took it upon yourself to return the favor. 

She had been playing with you in this manner across the table, offering the wrapper and pulling it back. After a few attempts she let you have it and that's when you turned the tables on her.

Where were we? We went to one of our all-time favorite restaurants tonight, Jasmine's Asian Bistro, for a "last supper." I'm about to fall off the radar for the week and thought going to dinner as a family would be nice.

You're such a busy person that it's becoming increasingly difficult to take you out to eat, to Church, to anywhere that you'll have to sit and be confined for any length of time. At one point mom had to take you outside and have a talk about your behavior.

You had my phone in your hand watching a PBS app when our waitress stopped by to check on the table. You turned, offered her the phone and when she reached for it, you pulled it back and giggled again. You did this with her three or four times. 

Some time had passed since you were playing with mom so we were astounded that you weren't just mimicking mom but you retained and made a game out of it with others.

Today Ava Was Topless

This is a headline I better only write once!

For some reason or another you felt that wearing a shirt was too confining and cried until mom removed it. Not once, but at least twice today. We both questioned your reasoning, but let you be free and happy. 

Watch:

Not sure what that was all about ... 

You weren't acting like your normal self today. Mom caught you using a binky. You haven't used a binky for something other than a chew toy since you were born. It's something that we were happy about, since we didn't want to have to go through the trauma of weening you from it. 

I asked mom if it were possible that you were swapped out last night? Where did our Ava go?

No shirt, no shoes, no problem!

It was a little chilly this evening and we had a birthday party for a family friend's daughter to attend. Mom was prepared to change you into long sleeves but I said it wouldn't be necessary. I didn't realize how chilly it was tonight. After a bit, mom grabbed a few light jackets from the car. All adult sizes. She came back with one shirt and we put you in it and tied up the sides. You were restless and walking around the yard when mom captured the photo below. One of my new faves!

Today Ava Was A Vampire

Maybe your getting this bad habit from the cats? They'll nip at you, especially McGee, when you pet them a little too hard or tug on their tail.

Sit still, this'll only hurt
for a second.

They don't have ill intent, it's just the only way they can tell you they aren't happy with what you're doing. I don't know, this is all I can think of. 

You've gotten into the habit of biting. It started a few days ago, you would bite mom when you got tired. Never me, just mom. Eventually the biting increased and all attempts at discipline are met with laughter.

I'm going to be how big?

Tonight mom was putting some laundry away and I put you in the basket and pushed you across the floor from our room to yours. After getting you out of the basket I was lying on the floor and you walked over, lifted the back of my shirt and bit the small of my back. Somewhere in the last few days you turned Vampire. 

It probably didn't help the disciplinary action that I laughed when trying to get you off of me. I need to work on that. It wasn't pleasant on my end, especially since that third bottom tooth popped in today. 

You didn't give up either, your thirst for blood was insatiable as you kept trying to bite me for a few minutes. Eventually something else caught your attention and we went downstairs to play. 

Speaking of persistence, mom sent me the following video today. When you get your mind on something, you don't quit. 

Toda Ava Made The Connection

I clicked the button on the garage door opener,  pulled in the driveway gathered my stuff and in the door I went. 

Someone love her Biscoff!

I took a little longer to round the corner than usual. Since it was late (8:45) I fed the fish and turned off the light on the tank. Most of the time I can hear you making noise at the top of the steps, tonight I didn't hear anything. 

I was honestly a little disappointed. It makes my day to see you and mom at the top of the steps when I get home. I switched the lights and rounded the corner and to my surprise there you were!

You tarted jumping and squealing like normal. I scooped you up from mom's arms and we went into the kitchen. 

Mom began to tell me that you've made the connection between hearing the garage door go up and me walking in. 

She said that tonight, when you heard the door go up that you got excited and began to make your way to the door. Too awesome. 

You're growing up o fast and call me biased, but you're so smart. 

Year one is almost in the books, I can't wait to see the development year two and beyond brings!

Today Ava Left Dad Home Alone

My status as "dad" was on hiatus tonight. And to be honest, it wasn't very much fun. 

When I walked into the house this evening no one was at the top of the steps to greet me with flying arms and a squeal. No one was there to eat dinner with me (or eat my dinner). No one was there to play with and eventually rock to sleep.

Cheesin before dad goes to work.

Just quiet. Too quiet. 

It was a little strange having an evening to myself. It's the first night since you've been born that I've been home alone for a period of time. This is the first but certainly will not be the last as you grow up. You'll go on trips, have sleepovers etc.

You and Mom met me at the HOF and we had lunch with a friend of ours who moved to Texas last year and was back in town for a bit. We walked around and caught up on what's new in each others lives. When we all departed you and mom went straight to Shelby. 

Mom made plans to go see the "Lion King" at Playhouse Square in Cleveland with Grandma and Aunt Casey while you hung out with Grandpa. 

He sent me a few pics through the evening, you went swinging at the playscape, and read some books to him. 

Hopefully you were well behaved for the remainder of the night! I'll find out today, we'll have a talk if the reports are not favorable. 

I'll see you tomorrow!

Today Ava Chatted With Dad

I was able to see you this afternoon ... sort of. Suddenly my phone started to vibrate across my desk. Looking down I saw that mom was attempting to FaceTime with me. 

I excitedly got up and went into one of our conference rooms. When the phones connected I saw you playing with a big box in the living room. Earlier in the day Aunt Suz sent mom and I a message saying your birthday present was on it's way and could arrive today. 

We discussed if you should open it now or wait until your birthday. You made the decision for us and began to tear into the box. Inside was a small shopping cart with space for two dolls. I received a picture from mom later where Mickey was front and center strapped into the seat of the cart. I'm not surprised. You love Mickey.

We chatted for a few more minute before I had to return to work. We laughed a little and you read me a book. 

Thanks, mom! It was a wonderful break to my day. 

Often times i end this journal with a video. Today, mom caught you combing your own hair. She was only able to capture a few seconds at the end, but it' adorable nonetheless. 

Toay Ava Was "My Sharona"

If someone ever tells you they hate 80s music, they're lying through their teeth.
Tonight you saw the premier 80s tribute band, New Wave Nation, at the Balloon Classic/Jackson-Belden Food Fest.

We took you 1. to get you and mom out of the house and 2. for new sights, new sounds and a new experience. It could be argued that you were here last year as well being that mom was nine months pregnant so some of the sounds may have seemed familiar to you.

It's a popular local event that "kicks off" the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Fesitval. 

We parked and made the long trek to the entrance and weaved our way around the food vendors. The music was playing as we found a lemonade stand near the concert stage but it was background noise as we figured out where to stop for a drink. I waited in line while you and mom got a closer look. 

A minute later I hear "New Wave Nation!" off to my left and turn that way. Mom was telling me who was playing. 

That change the course of the evening for the better. We've heard them play a few times during our courtship and marriage and enjoy each show. We found a spot in the grass and let you out of the stroller to dance. 

You enjoyed the music, but let us know that we were too close by covering your little ears with your hands. We moved back and eventually down to where the balloons were going to have their "Night Glow." Each year when the sun goes down the balloonists inflate their craft and use the burners to make them glow. Thousands of local supporters attend the event and when the weather cooperates it's quite a site.

We went back up, listened to some more music and eventually at dark made our way down to the balloons. We got caught up in the music so we didn't see much of the glow, coming to find out that the wind kept the pilots from lighting up their balloons for as long as they had hoped. 

In all, mom and I agreed that you enjoyed the evening. Seeing all of the news sights and sounds. Who knows, maybe when you're old enough we'll go see NWN at a show.

Today Ava Was A Lover Not A Fighter

Gotcha!

It's about time for a change kid. I keep telling myself it's only a few weeks but as I say that, I also look ahead, years down the line to memories potentially missed as work consumes my life and my summer. It was difficult but manageable prior to your arrival, but this year is different. I don't want to miss you growing up.

Even though i've only been working late this week so far, it's just going to get worse until Aug. 5. 

Technology can be a blessing and a curse. A blessing because mom keeps me constantly updated on what you're doing by sending me pictures and videos but a curse since it makes me want to be home that much more. The pros of technology outweigh the cons right now.

I'm putting these thoughts to "paper" as my promise to you that I'll work diligently to change this scenario and we'll get to spend our summers together as a family. 

What does mom send me throughout the day? Well, this afternoon it was photos of how much you love your cats. I can't guarantee the feeling is mutual, but you adore them

You can't escape my love!

Your latest kick is hugging. I know McGee can handle it, he's young and beefy. Cookie on the other hand is old and frail, so I worry a bit about her. We know you have no ill intent, but poor Cook isn't too fond of the affection. You might say she's a bit of a grumpy old lady.

If they are laying in the sun, or just sitting around and it catches you're eye, they're doomed for some love. You'll head their way and before they know what's upon them, you're on the ground they're in your clutches Typically it looks like a yoga pose - on your knees with arms extended over your head and holding on to them with your head resting on their sides. 

McGee will tolerate this to an extent, but Cookie will try and immediately wiggle out of your grasp. 

I have an idea, hug mom and I! We'd be fine with that. 

One other thing that I feel compelled to share is a video from this afternoon. It's been in the 90s all week and mom took you outside to play with your water table. I think you enjoyed it:

Today Ava Was In My Dreams

Your red catching gear on you walked towards home plate with that  signature gate in your step every catcher has as they carry all that extra protection to the plate. I nervously inched closer and closer to the chalk of the first base line so I could see through the crowd of people and watch your debut without obstruction.

You crouched behind the plate and in came the overhead pitch. My heart racing as I anxiously awaited the smack of the ball into the mit, you caught it and I breathed a sigh of relief. I could feel a proud smile extend across my face.That's my girl!

All seemed normal - a 90 mph overhead pitch in a little league girl's softball game - until the all too familiar blare of my alarm yanked me from your World Series run. Once I came to, I realized how outlandish that scenario is.

It was just a dream, but could it be an omen of the future? Only time will tell. 

Some of your favorite toys are in our basement, a container of baseballs, softballs and a tiny wooden bat that we use as decor. I can only speak for myself, but your mom and I are former athletes and this makes me prideful to see. 

I could be biased, but I think you're hand-eye coordination is exceptional at your young age. We sit you down and roll a ball to, your eyes find the ball and watch it the whole way in then grab it once it's in reach. It's rare for one to get by you. Hence a new nickname - shortstop. 

So, why you were a catcher in my dream last night, I have yet to figure out the meaning behind it. Maybe as a catcher you have to watch the ball in the whole way? That's my only guess. 

I woke up excited, maybe a look into the future? Though, I hope to be coaching rather than sitting on the sideline.

Today Ava And Dad Had Quality Time

It won't be long and I'll be handing over the reigns of this journal to mom. I know she'll do a great job! 

You'll be seeing less and less of me over the next few weeks as work begins to pick up. Such is life at the HOF, mid-July through early August you belong to work as the small staff prepares for the annual Enshrinement Festival. 

Chill out, dad. Relax a little with me.

When I was young and single with nothing to worry about, HOF time was an exciting adventure, then mom and I got married and it became harder to be gone all day.

That was especially true last year as you were due to arrive two days after the festivities. There was a backup plan that went into effect should I have to eject at a moments notice. We reassured everyone that you would wait to arrive until after the festivities. My boss even joked with mom that he was going to have a birthing room built onto the stage to make sure I was at the event. Mom was quick to tell him she was fine with it if he could secure a sponsorship with Pampers. We would even

True to our word, you waited. Now that you are here, it is increasingly more difficult to stay at work all day - and I've only been staying late for two days. It's going to be a long next three weeks as the hours at work take away from my hours at home.

Unless you get up early, I don't expect to see you at all for the week of the Enshrinement and Game, so do me a favor and be good to your mom. 

So, back to our quality time. I doubt you recognized it's significance, but it wasn't lost on me.

You're slow to wake in the morning. There are many similarities between you and mom and the wake up process is one of them. I don't say that as a bad thing. I pop out of bed the moment my alarm goes off or as soon as I wake up. I always have.

You and your mom wisely use the time to relax, adjust to your surroundings and get going when you're ready.

That being stated, it's a rarity for you to simply sit with us, you're constantly on the go. Typically it only happens when you're tired and ready for a nap or bed, or like today, just after I pluck you from your crib. 

I checked the monitor and you were stirring so I went back and brought you to the living room. We sat on the couch and turned on your cartoons. I expected you to come alive as Mickey's voice filled your ears. Nope. 

You just at there. Hey - I'll take it. Like I said, it doesn't happen often. We just sat together watching the cartoon and you slowly woke up and became the busy-body we've come to know and love. 

Soon, it was time for the "Hot Dog Dance" and I caught some of it on video:

 

Today Ava Had a Conversation

With anyone who would listen!

Looking so grown up!

I've wanted to know what you've been trying to tell us since you first figured out that you could create noise.

Lately it's turned into full-blown conversations. 

I've written about your "screams" about "Dad" and "Button" but today it was a whole new level. Mom showed me a few videos she captured today of you yelling at the TV, the cat, pretty much anyone who would listen. And with the tone, everyone within ear shot couldn't help but listen. 

I've replayed the video a  number of times and laugh just as hard each time I see it. 

I sent your Uncle Kris the video telling him if your cousin is anything like you, neither of us will get a word in again, ever. He agreed, saying we're both screwed.

It's something the written word simply can't describe, you just need to see it for yourself. 

Enjoy, we sure have: 

Today Ava Had a Dance Party

With each passing day you're becoming more and more animated. 

This was never more evident than tonight when you had yourself a little dance party. Since you were tiny (I refrain from using the term "little" because you still are) we've danced and sang with you. I fear - jokingly - that you're beginning to pick up some of my bad habits. 

Do my a favor, when you learn to drive and are dancing and singing in the car, keep both eyes open. Ask your mom. 

In life you'll quickly figure out what lessons to take from me and what to learn from mom. Trust me, take your dancing skills from her. 

When the "Hot Dog Dance" isn't on Mickey, you opt for something a little more risque and mainstream: Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines." I swear you can name that song in 2 notes. That beat comes on and your arms and hips start going. 

The living room, basement, wherever we are at immediately transforms into your dance floor. 

I'm glad your mom caught some of it on video. No way will I ever be able to demonstrate this one. 

How many years of recitals are in my future?
 
Keep dancing little one. As the sating goes "Dance like no one is watching." 

Today Ava Went To The Zoo

Today was the day. I didn't have to work and the weather was right. 

We've had he desire to take you to the Akron Zoo for a few weeks now, especially since I'll be MIA until mid-August. Work is about to get busy, really busy. 

I hope you don't forget who I am. 

Hey penguin, over here!

We arrived at the Zoo a little after Noon and it wasn't long for you to make it memorable. The first exhibit you see when you walk in are the penguins. You were curious, pointed to them, looked around.  After a few minutes we moved on and found ourselves underneath a waterfall. Mom began to hold you out and I saw dripping water. 

I couldn't figure out how you were getting wet from the waterfall. Then mom said it "She's peeing on me." In our excitement to get out of the house and spend a fun day together as a family we forgot to change your diaper. Oops. 

Good thing mom was holding you!

Luckily we weren't too far into the tour at this point and it was easy enough to take you back to the bathrooms and I changed your outfit while mom ran her shirt under the hand dryer. 

We always carry an extra outfit for you, preparing for the unexpected. Maybe we should start bringing a change of clothes along for ourselves.

Once everyone was changed and dry, we continued on. You were excited to see the animals and all the new sights and sounds.  

We rounded a corner and you were soon face-to-face with a snow leopard. Scared? Not a chance. You laugh in the face of danger! Literally.

McGee???

We soon came upon a carousel and for $2 mom took you on your first ride. Sitting on a jaguar, the ride began to spin. As you always are, you were unsure at first, but soon came to enjoy it as the ride went around. 

We then stopped for lunch in their cafe. Mom ordered two soft pretzels which she split with you and I had chicken tenders and fries of which you also indulged.

Losing steam.

The cafe is in the same building as the aquarium portion and it was in here that you had the most fun. It wasn't the fish or the touch pool that had you giddy. It was the plastic molds of a beach, a reef, and waves that had you beside yourself. 

To you, these were worth the price of admission and I'm sure you'd still be there slapping the coral or sitting on the plastic sand if you could. 

You really wanted nothing to do with the touch pool. The horseshoe crabs and rays didn't catch your attention.

As we walked through the heat began to take its toll on you and you became tired. After we stopped and you fed the goats, it was about time to go. You were slowing down and so were we. 

You fell asleep as we were walking towards the exits and didn't wake up until we got home. 

All in all, it was a great day. I'm glad we went. 

Here's a few miscellaneous shots from our trip:

Today Ava Went To Taggart's

Mom told me you had been in a bit of a crabby mood since waking from your afternoon nap. How were we going to cure this? With some ice cream of course! 

Mom came across a forgotten $10 gift card for Taggart's in the office desk. Bingo, let's go. Taggart's is a little ice cream shop in your hometown of Canton that's been in existence since 1926.

Showing mom all the cool stones in the path.

Walking in, it's like you went back in time. It has that old ice cream parlor feel to it which to me is part of the allure of the place. 

We didn't have plans for this evening so mom and I decided to take you down there for some of their famous ice cream. Mom ordered a brownie sundae, I had an old fashioned banana split and you enjoyed a vanilla kids cone.

We had a family beside us with a little girl eight months older than you. The two of you chatted in only the language the two of you understood. Mom and I exchanged pleasantries with her parents and once we were done with our ice cream, we went to the park for a swing. We also exchanged a few words with the elderly ladies on the other side of us. 

While mom was paying the tab, they asked me if you re always this happy. 

Of course you are!

It's interesting to me how we have met and talked to so many people since you've been born that we wouldn't have normally conversed with. It's not that we're arrogant or introverted, the common denominator is the children. I'm not putting my thought into words properly, it's just one of those things I didn't understand until I became a parent. 

At the park we met a couple that came to the swing beside us with their two and a half year old granddaughter. We made small talk for a few minutes before parting ways. As we walked you to the car  a lady with her eight-month-old daughter stopped us to as a few questions about when you started walking, you're teeth, etc. I think she was curious as to when her daughter would start doing some of the things you're doing. 

I'm really enjoying this part of life. Let's hope it continues!

Today Ava Learned A Life Lesson

Easy transition from baby to boss.

Today went by rather quickly. After work it was out to the yard to clean up the remainder of the bush we removed from the front yard and mow. 

We also threw a quick dinner in the mix before it was off to the late night softball games. Although I'm sure it was a little chilly for mom, the weather was pleasant. She brought you out to the first game. It was here you learned your first life lesson from me "Do as I say, not as I do." 

I've been in a bit of a batting slump lately but tonight got a hold of one and sent it to the fence. 

It had extra bases written all over it. Feeling good I rounded second and hustled for third. In I went standing up ... and was quickly tagged out. You saw the whole thing, and yes, had I not been lazy and slid, I would have been safe. 

So please, if I ever have the good fortune of coaching you in softball, do as I say. Not as I do. 

Today Ava Went to Steak 'N Shake

We had a pretty severe storm roll through this afternoon. I was at work and you were napping when the tornado sirens went off and the emergency alerts began to flood our cell phones.
 

Not happy to be short-changed on a nap!

I texted your mom to make sure you both were safe and recommended going to the basement. She was hesitant to wake you - and I don't blame her Ava Bear - but she did and off to the basement the two of you went.

At work the staff and guests were corralled into the safest area of the building for well over an hour.

Eventually the all clear was sounded and everyone went about their business.

Mom had an appointment with her first client - a co-worker of mine - at 6:30. Since the bulk of the bad weather had passed, she kept to the schedule. She offered to show me her new office so you and I went with her a few minutes ahead of her meeting.

You've been to her office a few times so you knew the layout, I saw some of it, but will need to go back to finish the tour. Mom and Lillian got right to work so we went out on the town.

Over it. Mom makes everything better.

One thing you need to know about your mother if you haven't realized it already is that she's extremely goal oriented and will work her fingers to the bone to achieve her goals. She knows what she wants and will go get it.

We took the car and hit up Burlington Coat Factory, Marc's and eventually the mall before mom called to say she was ready to go.

By now it was 7:45 and we were hungry. Chinese buffet and overeat or Steak 'N Shake for quick and cheap? We chose the latter also figuring there would be more food options for you.

I wrote yesterday about how you were a social butterfly, well tonight at dinner you were the center of attention.

Our server adored you, you were having quite the conversation with her. You would talk in your language and she would respond with "Oh, you don't say" or "Really, that's wonderful."

There was a table caddy corner to us that kept commenting on how cute you are and how you were bringing back memories to when their children were your age.

As we ate dinner, we made sure you looked the part as well. With the kids placemat was a cutout race car complete with stickers. We let you play with destroy the car and put the flame stickers under your cheek. It took a little coaxing but you also wore the old school Steak 'N Shake paper hat.

On a sad note - we walked outside and one of the ladies at the table I described earlier was standing outside and uttered "A**hole." She apologized not realizing we had just stepped through the door, but her words were justified. 

We looked up towards the street to see a gaggle of geese crossing the busy street and one injured bird flopping around the obviously hit by a passing motorist. She told us a guy in a white bronco intentionally hit the poor thing. 

Helpless, we watched as the animal writhed in pain, eventual became still and its head lifelessly lower to the ground as his feathers were blown by the wind down the street. 

This all happened within a minute but the image will remain with me for a long time. If there is a moral to this it would have to be to live, laugh, and love.You only get one shot at this thing called life and It can be over in a second. So enjoy every minute of it and laugh along the way - often - even in the face of adversity!

if there is ever a time I don't kiss you good morning or good night or tell you I love you, give me a nudge to remind me!

Today Ava Was A Social Butterfly

Your little personality is really coming out now that you've got your feet under you. In the three weeks or so that you've been walking you've come out of your shell. 

Get your shine on.

Whenever we're near other children your age, you want to be around them, play with them, or in many cases, just stare at them. 

Tonight there were two such instances. One, you even scared a little boy so much that he ran away from you.

We started out at Target to pick up some more food for you - it's on sale. $1.29 for small Gerber meals that you've taken a liking to. 

I need some new work shoes so it was off to Kohl's. They didn't have what I was looking for in the shoe department so mom went to the baby section to scope out some deals. I let you down to walk a bit and eventually you caught sight of two little girls shopping with their mom and grandma. You;re hand slipped from my grip and walked over to them to say hello. 

Mom and I chatted with the grandmother for a few minutes while you made new friends then it was next door to DSW. 

As we walked in and were making our way to the back of the store to the clearance racks, I picked you up and put you on my shoulders. All was well until you spotted a little boy walking with his dad in the opposite direction. 

As soon as your eye caught him you pointed and became excited. We said hi to him and his father and as I was bringing you down or a closer look the dad said "He will probably run away. He either runs from new people or runs to them and give them hugs." 

It was the former in this instance. The moment your feet touched the ground the little boy picked up steam and further down the aisle he went. Mom jokingly told the dad "It's okay, he's too young to be chasing girls anyway." 

It was one of those scenes that makes me laugh as I look back on it. We hear a lot about how cute you are but this was the first time someone ran from you. Was it the black eye, or the fat lip?  

A fat lip to compliment your shiner? Yeah ...

Today Ava Took Her 11 Month Photos

Mom and I have enjoyed taking these monthly pictures throughout your first year, yet today was bittersweet as we know it is drawing to a close. Only one more left. 

Oh don't fret, it won't be the last time you'll have a camera in your face.

Hard to believe it's been nearly a year has passed. It's been fun reflecting on how you've grown and how we've grown as parents.

When we first began tracking your growth through these monthly photos I was naive in thinking that as you get older they would get easier. I thought you would understand what we were doing and cooperate. My, how wrong I was. 

On your half-birthday I mentioned the same thing. It hasn't gotten any better.

We coax you to remain still any way we can, with toys, singing, dancing - whatever it takes.I'm sure it looks like a circus to an outside observer.

We work well as a team, mom places you and distracts you while I am on the step stool firing away and hoping for the best before you roll over or get bored. 

We get good shots, but you make us work for them. 

And not to mention, your shiner really darkened up today, adding some character to the images. 

Mom tried to ind some boxing gloves for some fun photos but no one seemed to have any in stock.

Here are a few unedited shots from this evening: 

 

Outtakes:
 

 

 

 

Today Ava Had a Shiner

Well, my fear came true ... 

This is my "show me sympathy" face.

When you woke up I went in to get you and the first thing I looked at was your left eye. Son of a gun, black. 

Your first shiner. 

Your going to take bumps and bruises and Heaven forbid maybe even a broken bone or two while you're growing up. I can tell myself that until I'm blue in the face but it doesn't make me feel too much better since I caused your black eye.

I had kept my finger crossed that it would remain red and puffy through the night and not progress. After all, we had Church to go to this morning (which you weren't on your best behavior) and you're 11-month photos to take tomorrow. 

How awesome will those images be years down then line and I have to explain the darkness under your eye? This one might follow me for a while ... 

Other than the visible, there didn't seem to be any other effects of the pup hitting you or your head hitting the ground. You continued the day as your normal self, wearing your shiner as a badge of honor. Daring people to ask so you can show them how tough you are!

We played outside while the pork chops grilled and after dinner took you to the park. Just another day (thankfully).

Today Ava Got Up Close With A Dog

All's well that ends well, right? We'll see. 

This thing's almost as big as McGee!

Things got off to a good start at my cousin Alexis' annual Fourth of July Weekend cookout. You were having fun seeing family, eating pork straight from the hog, walking around and just generally being outside. 

A few times we had to take you in to change your diaper where you were excited to see Alexis' three dogs - Jester (which belonged to your Great Grandfather before his passing, Duke (her 7 or 8 year-old shepherd mix, and Willy (a dog she recently acquired from her neighbor). 

It was Willy you got to know really well later in the evening. More on that to come. 

Alexis lives on 7.5 acres and along with her three hounds she has two horses. Alexis rescued Shadow, so named for her dark coat, and little did she know, Shadow was pregnant. 

Soon, Kalumi was on the scene. Now full-grown she relishes attention whereas her mother is more of a loner. 

We set you on her back. Leery at first you soon opened up to her and enjoyed being on top of the world. 

You went back to see Kalumi two more times before we went home and each time you couldn't get enough of her. 

Now, back to Willy and my upcoming Father of the Year Award. We took you in the house for a diaper change and when we came out, Willy was out back wanting to fetch a tennis ball. I began to throw it and he would excitedly chase it and bring it back. Nothing was getting in his way. 

Giddy up!

That is, until the final toss. You were standing off to the side happily watching him go back You had taken a seat in the grass for a better view when I threw the ball. It accidentally went slightly over you and Willy came to the right, around my back and straight towards you. My heart sank. 

It played out like a movie in slow motion. I saw the impact coming and there was nothing I could do to stop it. It wasn't Willy's fault, he was dong what he knew to do, get the ball by any means necessary. 

He tried to leap you, but his hind legs caught your face. Smack! Instantly back to reality and game speed to the ground you went. 

It took a second for the water works to proceed, but when they did, the crying was harder than we've ever experienced. We know it hurt and it's indescribable how we as parents felt for you. 

Mom was on the scene immediately with baby Tylenol to help ease the pain.Your left eye was red and puffy within seconds.

You eventually came around and all was well. You even saw another pup and wanted to go pet it. So all is in fact well that ends well. 

I fear a nice little shiner over your left eye tomorrow. Only time will tell.